Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from the season opening loss to Suns

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks season opener vs. Suns:  1. Brunson earned more minutes

Jalen Brunson was limited to just under five minutes in the first half as he missed his only two field-goal attempts. Fans were assuming it was an off night for Brunson, but the 24-year-old point guard turned it on in the second half.

The point guard played so well that coach Rick Carlisle left him in for nearly every second of the final stanza. Brunson had 12 points and was five of six from the field. He made some incredibly difficult shots too. See one of his best below.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1341985202235727873

The 24-year-old point guard found Willie Cauley-Stein to tie the game with just over three and a half minutes remaining. Brunson finished with two rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes of action on Wednesday night.

Sparking the late run kept him on the floor when Luka Doncic returned in the fourth quarter, which allowed Brunson to play 18 minutes. The 24-year-old point guard will have to force coach Carlisle’s hand to consistently see 18 to 20 minutes per game. It will be interesting to see if his incredible play in the fourth quarter changes the Christmas Day rotations. It was Brunson’s night against the Suns, and the 24-year-old looks ready for a career year.

The season opener was not the result the Dallas Mavericks wanted but there were plenty of positives. Tune in on Christmas Day against the Lakers to see if the Mavs bounce back.